Local people wanted the minister’s views on health and housing
problems raised by Blackpool’s transient population.
Young people in the audience also questioned whether the Government’s
guarantee of a place at college - or an apprenticeship - was realistic.
He also faced questions on the Government’s commitments in Iraq and
Afghanistan – and on ways in which public faith might be restored in
politicians and the political system.
In his opening words, Mr Ainsworth said the Government was determined to
build a stronger, fairer and more prosperous country.
Earlier the Cabinet minister spoke to trainees learning skills vital to the
regeneration of the popular seaside town, and tried his hand at bricklaying
and at laying block paving on a visit to Blackpool and Fylde
College’s Build Up Blackpool project, where older jobseekers are
given training in construction skills.
